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DirecTV Remote Problem

My remote has worked with my TV for 2 years without issue. Over the past month the remote no longer works beyond 5 feet with my TV. The TV's original remote works perfectly fine from 10 feet where my couch is. I tried calling DTV about the issue and they told me there was nothing that can be done. Does anyone have any ideas for me in getting a replacement remote from DTV?

Did you get the protection plan? i thought they would send you a new remote for free if you have a defective remote. otherwise you might have to buy a new one,check directv website,solid signal,best buy,amazon or ebay for best price.

Usually you will get extra flashes of the green light on the end when you press a button or a message from the receiver that you batteries are getting low. I have gotten both in the past.

As the issue is controlling the TV, it could be that the TV is just less sensitive and the diminishing batteries impact it sooner.

This may be another instance of settings on the TV changing (ie cranking up the brightness or contrast). If the DIRECTV remote doesn't have any trouble turning the TV on but can't control the volume or turn it off, this would seem to be indicated.

I suspect that the green flash/low batter message is the result of a formal message from the remote as opposed to something the receiver determines by measuring IR intensity.

Too often we enjoy the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought. -- JFK

Battery replacement is likely the top thing people forget about with their audio/video equipment....so don't badly. I slip in a small note with the new batteries that has the date of install on it.

Time would not work for me. I wore the buttons out in less than 2 years. LOLI flip channels a lot and scan the Guide for things to record.I have had HD for a little over 3 years and wore out 2 remotes already.Time to go to Ebay again since I don't have any spares in the house now.

why would my remote work fine...only from 5' instead of how it used to from 10'+?

For most any of the reasons I and other posters listed.

An IR sensor works by expanding and contracting from the heat, yep I know it is hard to believe, but the signal that we can't see heats up the sensor and then it rapidly cools off and creates the action.When excess IR signals from most anything are in the room it keeps the sensor heated. When you then press the button on the remote and send a signal it may or may not heat the sensor enough to make it work. The tape keeps out the unwanted signals and allows the sensor to cool down so that it will react when you press the button on the remote.

When the batteries are weak it can do the same thing.Being closer to the sensor helps keep the signal from being diluted as it passes thru the air.

UPDATE: My wife worked her magic and got us a new remote. The new remote works from from my couch now without issue. So the problem was not with my T.V. like I expected and it was the remote. Thanks to all who replied.